"No Two Tans Are Alike: The Truth About DHA and Your Skin"

How DHA Works in a Spray Tan

DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, is the active ingredient in most spray tanning solutions. It’s a colorless sugar that reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin to create a natural-looking bronze glow. This reaction doesn’t happen instantly—your tan typically develops over several hours and continues to deepen for up to 24 hours after your session. Since DHA only affects the outermost layer of the skin (which naturally sheds over time), your tan is temporary and usually lasts about 7–10 days with proper care.

Why Tans Look Different on Everyone

One of the most common questions we get is, “Why does my tan look different than my friend’s?” The answer lies in your individual skin tone and undertone. DHA doesn’t deposit the same color on everyone—it works with your unique chemistry. That means your natural pigmentation, pH balance, and how dry or oily your skin is all play a role in how your tan develops. At Bronzed by Haley, we customize every tan to complement your skin’s undertone and give you the most flattering, even glow possible—because no two bodies bronze the same!